GAME REPORT

Martins Meiers and Ventspils got their 2012/2013 EuroChallenge season of to a winning start at home on Tuesday night

Donald Sims collected 16 points and six assists and was decisive in a late 6-0 run to give BK Ventspils a 73-68 victory at home over Norrköping Dolphins in both teams' Group C opener in the EuroChallenge.

The biggest lead in the first quarter belonged to the hosts at 10-5 before the period ended with Ventspils ahead 16-12. The lead grew to 23-12 before Fred Drains knocked down two triples to get the Dolphins within three, 27-24. An 11-2 Ventspils run gave the Latvians a 38-28 advantage at the break.

Six points from Ayuba trimmed the deficit to 44-40. Once again, the hosts came up with an answer as Janis Timma and Laksa both drained three-balls for a 57-45 lead, which was 57-47 after three quarters.

Ringström, Keith Gabriel and Ringström again nailed triples on consecutive possessions and another triple by Edgars Jeromanovs followed before Ringström evened the game at 66-66. But Ringström turned the ball over and missed a three-pointer down the stretch while Sims dished out an assist, hit two free throws and a basket in a 6-0 run to finish off Norrköping.

COACH QUOTES

Paul Burke, head coach of Norrkoping Dolphins"It was not the best game we played. We missed a lot of free layups. Ventspils is a favourite in this group so to come back from a 10-point deficit against them means a lot. At the end of the game we made some crucial mistakes in the offence that cost us the game."

Edgars Jeromanovs, player of Norrkoping Dolphins"I want to congratulate the Ventspils team for this victory. Neither them, nor us played the best game. We made wrong decisions in our offence at the end of the game. Nevertheless, I am happy for our team because we came back."

Roberts Stelmahers, head coach of BC Ventspils"We played very well in the first half, the defence was good. We got confused in the offence in the second half , there were too many turnovers. Though I am very happy that our team fought for the victory. A win is a win."

Sandis Valters, player of BC Ventspils"The only good thing about this game is that we won. We made mistakes in the defence and our offence was bad. We were not listening to what our coach told us, we could not concentrate any more."

COACH QUOTES

Paul Burke, head coach of Norrkoping Dolphins"It was not the best game we played. We missed a lot of free layups. Ventspils is a favourite in this group so to come back from a 10-point deficit against them means a lot. At the end of the game we made some crucial mistakes in the offence that cost us the game."

Edgars Jeromanovs, player of Norrkoping Dolphins"I want to congratulate the Ventspils team for this victory. Neither them, nor us played the best game. We made wrong decisions in our offence at the end of the game. Nevertheless, I am happy for our team because we came back."

Roberts Stelmahers, head coach of BC Ventspils"We played very well in the first half, the defence was good. We got confused in the offence in the second half , there were too many turnovers. Though I am very happy that our team fought for the victory. A win is a win."

Sandis Valters, player of BC Ventspils"The only good thing about this game is that we won. We made mistakes in the defence and our offence was bad. We were not listening to what our coach told us, we could not concentrate any more."